Panasonic BD35 (1 Viewer)

[DonniedD]

This is my first post here. I have been reading through the many posts containing an abundance of information. I have a question regarding the audio hookup 5.1 or 7.1 . I have a Toshiba 37" LCD. It has all the A/V jacks anyone should need I would think. I want to purchase a BD-35 to save the extra $100 over its sister, the BD-55. The two appear to be pretty much the same, with the exception of the lack of analog sound jacks on the 35. It does have a digital optical jack. I have tried researching if this jack will pull through the 5.1 or 7.1 that I'm looking for. Does anybody have the answer to this? Also, whereas there is only 1 HDMI on the BD-35, I'm sure it is a given that it goes to the HDTV. So even if I purchased a brand new receiver where does the 7.1 soundtrack travel from/to? I've read that video and audio travel through the HDMI. But if that is plugged into the TV and there is only one installed on a Blue Ray, what is the answer? Thanks for any and all answers in advance.

 

[David Willow]

Hi, welcome to HTF.

If you get a receiver with HDMI, then you would hook the HDMI from the BD35 to the receiver and run another HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV.

You can use the digital output on an old receiver, but you will only get the older DTS and Dolby Digital. The newer formats require HDMI.

 

[Ed Moxley]

You need an A/V (Dolby Digital surround) receiver, with HDMI connections that can handle the HD audio formats, (such as the Onkyo TX-SR606) for that. You'd run an HDMI cable from the blu ray player to the A/V receiver, then an HDMI cable from the A/V receiver to the tv.
Hope this clears it up for you.

 

[DonniedD]

Thanks for the kind words and advise. I had no idea that the HDMI would do a pass through into the receiver and out to the HDTV. I appreciate the recommendation of the TR-SR606 and was wondering if anyone else has any other recommendations regarding an A/V (Dolby Digital surround) receiver, with HDMI connections that can handle the HD audio formats? How much do you think I need to spend on a receiver to be able to hear decent HD quality audio from my new Blu Ray player? Thanks again to Ed and Dave for there responses

 

[Ed Moxley]

The Onkyo TX-SR606 I mentioned, is about the cheapest one out there, unless you find a used or refurbished one somewhere. Onkyo is a lot of bang for the buck. Amazon.com usually has them for a pretty good price. They have it right now for $339.95: Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black): Audio & Video

 

[Brent_S]

If you live near a Tweeter, they were advertising the Yamaha RX-V661 for $289 as soon as they started their clearance pricing...probably cheaper now if there are still any left. The 661 doesn't decode bitstream, but will accept MPCM. The BD35 can decode TrueHD/DTS-HD MA to MPCM and output it via HDMI. I've heard of the current generation RX-V663 being available in the $300-400 range as well.

If you act fast, ShopOnkyo has a refurbed 805 for $549. With the current T'giving 10% discount, you're looking at $500 for an 805 delivered. You'll need to register with ShopOnkyo to see that price. Did I mention ACT FAST!

-Brent

 

[Bluzman]

AFAIK, any of these would work.
Denon AVR 1909
Harman Kardon AVR 254
Onkyo TX-SR606
Pioneer VSX-1018
Sony STR-DG920
Yamaha RX-V663

 

[Dan D.]

Don, if you don't mind me borrowing your thread, I have a related question I hope people can answer. I'm in the same boat, interested in the Panasonic BD35, have a newer 1080p TV (Sony KDS-60A2000) and an older receiver (Denon AVR 3801). I'm not too interested in upgrading my receiver at this time but would like to go Blu Ray be able to take advantage of my TV's 1080p capability.

So, the question is, can I send video to my TV over HDMI and audio to my receiver over the optical interconnect (fully realizing that I won't be getting the newer digital audio)?

 

[Lew Crippen]

Yes

 

[Ed Moxley]

As Lew said, yes, but you may want to look at the BD55 instead of the BD35. The BD55 has 5.1/7.1 analog outputs. Your receiver has 5.1/7.1 analog inputs (EXT. IN), and you will be able to hear the HD audio from the blu ray movies, connected that way. The only way to hear the HD audio with the BD35, is over HDMI, which your receiver doesn't have. Bringing up this in case you didn't know you can still get the new HD audio, even with an older receiver.

 

[Dan D.]

In fact I did not know that. So the audio I would end up with over the analog connections is better than the DD/DTS-ES I would get over the optical interconnect? Interesting, that would make the BD55 a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[Dan D.]

OK, got it, the Blu-ray player decodes the audio and passes it to the receiver, which is basically just acting as an amp. I'd seen the new audio formats and just assumed they would require a new receiver, like Dolby Digital and did when it replaced Pro Logic.

Man, there was a time when I would have known this stuff cold. I feel like I am turning into my grandfather technology-wise.